Mike Sainristil is a Haitian American cornerback for the Washington Commanders, born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on October 3, 2000, after his family fled the country when he was just seven months old due to threats against his father following the 2000 presidential election. He played college football at the University of Michigan, where he initially starred as a wide receiver before switching to cornerback in 2022, ultimately becoming a first-team All-American and winning the 2023 national championship—he was named MVP of the Big Ten title game and sealed the national title with an 81-yard interception return against Michael Penix Jr. Selected by the Commanders in the second round (50th overall) of the 2024 NFL draft, Sainristil enjoyed a standout rookie season, leading the team with two interceptions and 93 tackles, and he made history in the playoffs by recording two picks against the Detroit Lions to help Washington reach the NFC Championship. In the 2025 season, he showcased his versatility by starting at nickelback before moving back outside after an injury, finishing the year with a team-leading four interceptions. His rapid rise from a refugee to a key NFL playmaker highlights his exceptional athleticism, football IQ, and resilience.